Page 118 of Tempt

“What do you want me to call you?”

“Queen Katrina would be fine.”

I can’t help laughing.

We get Andy from ballet, complete with his cast.

“Kat!” he squeals, running at her when he sees her.

They catch up in the truck, him filling her in on everything she missed in the past couple of weeks.

When we get back home, I pull him aside in his room.

“Bud, I want to talk to you about something.”

“Ballet?”

“Not ballet.”

I clear my throat. “Kat and I are dating. I know she’s special to you too, but she’s special to me in a different way.”

I try to explain that she doesn’t replace Andy’s mom, but I have feelings for her.

My beautiful, incredible son listens with wide eyes.

“Do you have questions?”

He frowns, then nods. “Will she still be my friend?”

“Of course. But she won’t be your nanny.”

“Oh. Who’ll be my nanny?”

“I’m not sure we need one. But if we do, we’ll find someone great.”

“I guess that would work. As long as Kat’s still here.”

“She will be. In fact…” I glance at the doorway. “What would you say if I asked her to move back in with us?”

His expression brightens. “Do it!”

“I don’t know if she’ll say yes,” I caution.

“Ask her with ice cream.”

* * *

We make dinner together and it’s perfect.

The three of us catch up and Andy’s happy and Kat’s happy and my chest is so full I’m afraid it might burst at any second.

By the time we’re done, I’m dying to be alone with her.

Andy goes to bed and I find her in the kitchen.

“I want to ask you something.”

I reach into the freezer and pull out the ice cream.